Freshwater Recirculating Systems Research
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| Freshwater recirculating systems research at Mote is focused on designing and testing filtration technologies to reduce water use while growing seafood in an environmentally sustainable fashion.
Recirculating aquaculture has a higher production cost than traditional non-recirculating aquaculture. Commercial recirculating aquaculture operations are currently growing high-value crops, such as ornamentals or research animals, and high-value food crops, such as sturgeon/caviar to offset these higher costs. Mote research is focused on developing new and innovative technologies to bring production costs down and make recirculating operations more financially competitive. As the cost of recirculating aquaculture goes down, the number of species will broaden to include more mainstream species. |
| Water Sterilization Mote examined the effectiveness of two styles of ultraviolet sterilizers — open channel bare bulb UV versus conventional PVC-encased UV — in reducing turbidity and bacterial loading in a commercial-scale sturgeon growout production system. The conventional UV system was more effective at reducing systemic bacterial loading than the bare bulb system; however, the two systems were equal at reducing turbidity. |
| Oxygen Delivery Mote examined the cost and efficiency of two methods of oxygen delivery — pure oxygen alone vs. pure oxygen and supplemental aeration — in high-density sturgeon production. Supplemental air did not reduce the amount of pure oxygen required to maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen levels and had a higher operating cost than the system using pure oxygen by itself. Although the supplemental air system decreased the amount of sodium bicarbonate needed to maintain pH, overall operating costs were higher. |
| Nitrate Reduction Nitrate is produced when biological filtration reduces ammonia and nitrite concentrations in intensive fish culture systems. Nitrate must either be removed by water exchange or denitrification. Denitrification research at Mote is addressing the design and operation of a commercial-scale filter that uses readily available carbon sources, including methanol, vinegar, molasses and starch, to remove nitrate. Experimental trials have shown that denitrification filter design was effective at significantly reducing nitrate concentrations within a relatively short timeframe. All four carbon sources were effective. Current research is evaluating the cost and operational issues of the four carbon sources in a commercial-scale sturgeon growout system. |
| Saving the oceans will take major sturgery To sustain Mote's commitment to fixing the world's food supply problem, we need your commitment to us. "Go fish" for your checkbook now. Donate today.  |
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
